Hiking trail to garner national recognition

Local News

Discussion

June 27, 2009

By KATHY MELLOTT The Tribune-Democrat Sat Jun 27, 2009, 11:57 PM EDT

ST. MICHAEL — A popular Cambria County hiking trail is about to get some national recognition, which should open the door for future federal funding.

U.S. Rep. John Murtha, D-Johnstown, will be joined by officials of the National Park Service on Tuesday for a ceremony at the South Abutment of the Johnstown Flood National Memorial.

Officials will be dedicating the “Path of the Flood Trail” as a National Recreation Trail following the recent designation by the U.S. Department of the Interior.

The designation, which includes 2.5 miles of trail owned by the National Park Service and 6.5 miles owned by the Cambria County Conservation and Recreation Authority, starts at St. Michael and runs to the Staple Bend Tunnel.

“This recognizes the importance and significance of trails that contribute to the history and the recreational opportunities of the nation,” Keith Newlin, deputy superintendent of the National Parks in western Pennsylvania, said Friday.

“So it’s a big deal. It’s good stuff,” he said.

Path of the Flood is one of 22 trails to be given the national designation in 13 states, officials of the Interior Department said.

It is adding 525 miles of trail to the nearly 12,000 miles of trail previously designated nationwide, according to information provided by the department.

Started in 1971, the national trail system recognizes existing trails that link people with local resources and improve the quality of life, officials said.

The Cambria County trail will be equipped with trail markers noting its designation, Newlin said.

The designation is being hailed by the seven municipalities making up the Forest Hills Alliance, where much of the trail is located, alliance Executive Director David Knepper said.

“This is like becoming a national historic site. This designation increases the opportunities for grant money,” Knepper said. “Very few of the trails are designated as this one is.”

The trail is one of eight to receive the designation in Pennsylvania.

Three trails were designated in New York and one each in the states of Alabama, California, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Massachusetts, Nebraska, New Jersey, Texas, Virginia and Wisconsin.

Text Only | Photo Reprints

Local News

Boswell-based summer camp adding 130 acres
A Boswell-based summer camp is expanding again, with an additional 130 acres of Ligonier-area land expected to provide more space for a growing program for inner-city youth.

February 10, 2012
City not seeking grant for firemen
Six weeks after a second round of layoffs, Johnstown firefighters believe they have found a way to restore their depleted manpower.

February 10, 2012
Six awarded Allegany College scholarships
Six Somerset County residents recently were awarded the Lucas Popernack Memorial Scholarships for study at Allegany College of Maryland in the current 2011-12 academic year.

February 10, 2012
Blogging with heart
Although it was probably high school English classes that propelled by career, I always liked science and history – with some notable, teacher-personality-or-competence-related exceptions.

February 10, 2012 1 Photo
Commissioners appoint three to arena board
The Cambria County commissioners, looking for new input for the county-owned War Memorial Arena, have appointed three new members to the seven-member War Memorial Authority board.

February 10, 2012
In brief: Police seek suspect in Lower Yoder burglary
West Hills Regional Police are searching for a suspect in the burglary of a Lower Yoder Township home on Tuesday.

February 10, 2012
Lawsuit: Bedford County shooting not 'justified'
The widow of a man who a prosecutor determined committed “suicide by cop” by pointing a weapon at state police during a standoff is suing, claiming the shooting was not justified.

February 10, 2012
Book honors Flight 93 co-pilot Homer
The widow of Flight 93 copilot LeRoy W. Homer Jr. is releasing a book this month on the events of Sept. 11, 2001.

February 10, 2012
Mild winter speeds work: Entertainment venue may be complete by end of May
An unusually mild winter has accelerated construction of a new outdoor entertainment venue in Johnstown.

February 9, 2012 2 Photos
Man jailed on rash of charges
A Patton man is being held on $100,000 bond after police said he threatened to kill a woman, her family and himself unless she talked to him about a protection-from-abuse order.

February 9, 2012 2 Photos
More Local News Headlines

Local News

Search Results

Discussion

Hiking trail to garner national recognition

Do you support Gov. Tom Corbett’s proposed state budget for fiscal year 2012-13?

Contact Us